This past week, I was scrolling through Facebook and came upon a post that read:
"4 words to your 17 year-old self: __________ __________ __________ __________"
I’m only 19 years old. For me, 17 obviously wasn’t really too long ago. Out of curiosity, I read through the comments to see what other people would say to the younger version of themselves. This got me thinking of what I might advise my younger self, even though, after all, this was only two years ago. As it would turn out, during a time that many people feel they are alone while facing the world, a lot of us are feeling or have felt the same things.
I wanted to compile and share some of my findings:
- “Your hair looks ridiculous.” –Kim G.
- “Their opinions. YOUR consequences.” –Laura R.
- “Enjoy those perky boobs.” –Haly L.
- “You CAN do it.” –Kristina K.
- “Calm. The. F*ck. Down.” –Tiffany B.
- “Don’t stay with him.” –Rozanna E.
- “Don’t EVER get married.” –Michael B.
- “Listen to your mom.” –Nelly B.
- “He’s not the one.” –Jessica M.
- “Don’t settle for less.” –Lea H.
- “Save. Your. Pokemon. Cards.” –Greg H.
- “Wear a freaking condom.” –John F.
- “Go to college NOW!” –Sherry D.
- “You don’t know everything.” –Aaron L.
- “Keep your legs closed.” –Kendra E.
- “Buy Microsoft and Apple.” –Rachelle C.
- “Stay true to yourself.” –Donald S.
- “Wear the string bikini.” –Jamie J.
- “You are so loved.” –Muranda M.
- “Make life an adventure.” –Eleni H.
- “Choose fulfillness over wealth.” –Bill C.
- “Honest friends are golden.” –Catherine F.
- “Good things are coming!” –Victoria H.
- “People rarely speak truthfully.” –Clare B.
- “Get off your ass.” –Demi O.
- “Do not kiss him!” –Jessica P.
- “She’s not worth it.” –Cobian F.
- “Don’t take for granted.” –Miranda B.
- “Stay away from negativity.” –Luciana T.
- “You’re gunna lose friends.” –Marissa B.
- “Invest in Facebook stock.” –Kate W.
- “Don’t get her pregnant.” –Ryan N.
- “Learn to love yourself.” –Deb E.
- “Your parents are right.” –Chelsea S.
- “Never, Ever Give Up.” –Kahrie O.
- “Stay Positive Stay Confident.” –Ericka H.
- “Be Strong, Be Kind.” –Phuong T.
- “Be yourself. You’re special.” –Samo J.
- “Enjoy every little moment.” –Sabine C.
- “You are worth more.” –Coryn O.
- “Trust only his actions.” –Whitney C.
- “Stay in school stupid.” –Karen R.
- “You can do better.” –Jessica E.
- “You can’t please everyone.” –Cinthia R.
- “Jesus is the answer!” –Justin T.
- “Follow your heart always.” –Melissa M.
- “Love isn’t abusive, leave.” –Sabrina J.
- “You’re perfectly fine alone.” –Anthony S.
- “Stop straightening your hair.” –Domonique E.
- “Get serious about school.” –Dineyli D.
- “Pay attention to detail.” –Elaren L.
- “See the bigger picture.” –Roy L.
- “Tacos are worth it.” –Kenzie H.
- “Growing up isn’t fun!” –Sydney S.
- “Need to workout more.” –Candice M.
- “Forget what they think.” –Alexis C.
- “Patience is a virtue.” –Chris G.
- “Start applying for scholarships.” –Nicole M.
- “Don’t. Work. At. Sharis.” –Kris A.
- “Knowledge is more important.” –Tyler G.
Four words I would tell my 17 year old self would be, "Start saving right now."
And now I pass on the question to you…If you were to go back and sit in the presence of your 17 year-old self, what four words would you tell yourself? What wisdom have you gained over the years that you wished you knew back then?
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